Victim Location 28210
Total money lost $750
Type of a scam Other
I agreed to purchase a 10-week old female puppy from Benny Boston Terriers (https://www.benny-bostonterriers.com) for $600. I was contacted via phone/text after emailing an inquiry about puppy to [email protected] The puppy was at a distance so, I opted for the puppy to be shipped for a $150 fee which is standard cost. The seller made arrangements with [email protected] and I received confirmation via email. All was going well until the day before shipping when [email protected] contacted me via email and needed a fee for a temperature controlled shipping crate for a fee of $1250 via Western Union/MoneyGram (red flag – scam – see complaint on [email protected]). [email protected] stated fee was refundable less $25 upon pet delivery. I contacted the seller and seller stated shipping company didn’t accept crate they brought puppy in to ship. A legitimate breeder would have known crate specs beforehand or corrected issue at that point. I notified the seller that I was not paying any more money. The seller then texted offering to pay part of the shipping (another red flag – scam). At this point, it was pretty clear that the seller/so-called breeder was in on the scam with the shipper. Both the shipper (https://www.hi-ship.com) and seller have professional looking websites set up. I asked the seller for a refund for the puppy and shipping ($750) and the seller agreed, but has never sent refund. I continued to contact the seller only to receive one excuse after another (didn’t have the money, already spent it, will send next week). Upon calling, voicemail had no greeting and seller would not answer calls. Per their website, this is supposedly not their primary job and they have good paying jobs — yes, I learned it’s scamming people. The seller uses the following emails:
Said name of seller is supposedly Embelley Allinston. Do not deal with this so-called breeder or shipper, they do not deliver and I’m out $750. Very disappointing as it was to be a surprise for a family member.